So, anyhoo - something I've not shared here (except in passing when discussing the dysfunctional wine cow and her emotionally-stunted family banning us from their businesses here in town) - the hubby was getting rather tired of wasting his expertise and passion - both in wine and in flowers - for spoiled or uninspired yoyos who either thought "owning a shop is cute!" or had their daddy buy it for them.
Sadly, this has been the case for the last 27 years of his life, ever since his first floral design job in New Canaan, CT. Since then, he's worked with world class wine makers (including wine maker of the year once) and designed flowers for royals, presidents, senators, movie stars, visiting dignitaries - well, you get it.
When we lived in the Napa Valley, he even had one designer in Beverly Hills fly him down every week and then home for the weekends.
The kid has talent.
Recently, some dear friends of ours had expressed an interest in investing in some kind of a business. And initially they thought of opening a high-end wine shop in our uptown area. But finding a suitable space was difficult. We explored cavernous buildings - including a former Woolworth's - that were simply too huge. Others required a total gut and re-do - to the tune of hundreds of thousands of dollars.
But one fine evening in mid August, the four of us were uptown for dinner and I happened to mention that the old Burgevin's flower shop - a fine and venerable old institution here - was closing and the current florist was moving out.
On August 18, we saw the inside for the first time - a glorious old shop that was designed - in 1904 - as a florist's dream come true.
And we're opening this weekend. In less than 2 months, we took this lovely but filthy space and turned it into a showplace.
And on Friday, October 1, 2010 - Toad Lily at the Burgevin opens its doors!! With our friend Liz and hubby Brian in partnership.
It's gonna be great! Take a peek at our progress.
Created with Admarket's flickrSLiDR.
4 comments:
DuPree, that is awesome news! I'm really excited for Brian and Liz. It isn't often that such a great opportunity presents itself. The building is gorgeous and the work you have done to the shop looks amazing. All of the hard work will pay off in the end. I'd wish Brian and Liz luck, but I don't think they need it. Their talent and perseverance will get them through any rough spots. My hope for much success and my best wishes go out to them both.
Kyle - thank you! It's been an amazing journey and everyone in town is so positive about it.
Liz's husband and I are delighted to see them both so excited and so happy about what they are doing.
That has made all the long hours, sweat and sore muscles worthwhile.
This is great news! And surprising! Congratulations and good luck to Brian and Liz.
Just catching up Du Pree and what a lot to catch up on. The shop is gorgeous and the flowers are breathtaking, I'm sure he already knows but tell Brian he's super fabulous - so gifted! Love, love, love the chandelier. I wish the venture all the very best and I trust the new Dem/cleaner lady is working out as well and the floor can now be seen again.
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